New Season Additions

21st September 2017

Heading into the new season the Tornadoes would like to introduce you to a few of the new members of coaching staff.

Jonny Ridge

Coach Jonny Ridge will be starting the season with the Tornadoes before heading over to France to continue his Pro ball career. The Tornadoes were fortunate to have him as guest coach last year and his return is welcomed by the players and coaches alike. Here is all you need to know about Coach Ridge

How did you get into football?Through the sports fair during my first year at the University of Hertfordshire, I signed up to rugby but Coach Smith grabbed me out of the crowd and said “now there’s a frame I can work with, sign him up!” So I went along to the taster session and fell in love with the sport.

When did you start playing?
2012

Position played?
OL/DL originally, now also punter, MLB and fullback. (Jack of all trades and master of all! )

What is your football career highlight?
Representing the Europe Warriors in Mexico this year. The Warriors are a ‘European all-star’ programme where the best talent in Europe is invited to compete against some of the best programmes in the world.

What do you do when you aren’t playing/ coaching football?
Play more football! Currently in France, I play La Queue-En-Brie Gladiatuers. I was with them last season. It’s a great group of people and I feel in love with France, especially the Paris Area.

What team do you support?
Baltimore Ravens

What are you most looking forward to in terms of coaching the Tornadoes this year?
To develop the women’s game and pass on some of the coaching tips I have been so fortunate to receive during my career thus far

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Invisibility as I already have super human strength so there would be no point putting that down

Ryan Hargreaves

Coach Ryan Hargreaves showed true passion and talent last season and has already demonstrated a natural coaching ability. Despite being injury prone, there is no doubt he will be pushing the Defensive line both physically and mentally to ensure that they are in the best shape possible going into the Sapphire series. Here is a little information on Coach Hargreaves.

How did you get into football?
Well I first got into football via the university of Hertfordshire Hurricanes, a friend of mine played and invited me down to try-out and loved it. I couldn’t see myself playing any other sport now!

When did you start playing?
Well I started playing for the Hurricanes last season and played for the Hertfordshire Cheetahs summer 2017.

Position played?
Defensive line, played DT for the Hurricanes and End for the Cheetahs, big fan of pass rush!

What is your football career highlight?
Well my career highlight would probably be my most recent season with cheetahs, ending up MVP for 2 games and left the season with 7 sacks from DT.

What do you do when you aren’t playing/ coaching football?
I spend the majority of my time in the gym and writing new plans to improve people’s physical abilities. I am also still at university so I spend a lot of time studying!!

What team do you support?
I support the Tennessee Titans

What are you most looking forward to in terms of coaching the Tornadoes this year?
Good question! I am really looking forward to working with all of the talented athletes! I am also looking forward to working with the coaching staff and make it an all round learning experience for everyone involved. The Tornadoes are going to be setting a high standard this season!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Well, haha, my super power would be of course superhuman strength!

Stuart Butcher

Coach Butcher is another one of our coaches that has had the opportunity to play for Great Britain and over in Europe, this time Germany. Stuart, more commonly known as Butch, will be coaching the offensive line. Here is what Coach Butcher had to say when we caught up with him.

How did you get into football?
I was approached by a few players from the Hertfordshire cheetahs when I was out at top golf in Watford, they asked me if I ever wanted to play, at the time I played rugby but fancied a new challenge!

When did you start playing?
This coming season will be my 4th full season playing and first season coaching!

Position played?
I have played every position on the Offensive line, as well as taking a few snaps at Defensive line and the occasional snap at running back! Oh and punter.

What is your football career highlight?
My favourite highlight was playing football last year in Germany for the Allgäu Comets, nothing beats and individual run out with fireworks going off, hearing your name called out to the stadium with 6 thousand spectators, to this day it still brings a smile to my face.

What do you do when you aren’t playing/ coaching football?
I recently graduated in sports therapy, so currently looking for a full time job or looking into a master.

What team do you support?
Seahawks!! Jumped on the bandwagon

What are you most looking forward to in terms of coaching the tornadoes this year?
I am looking forward too the difference from playing to coaching. Hopefully I can bring something new and unique to the team. #BigDayOut

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?Teleportation/Time Travel would be pretty awesome!

Jordan Legge

This former Hurricanes player will be coaching the Wide Receivers. Coach Legge has been a devout supporter of the Tornadoes for a few years now, he’s even got a medal for his efforts! Upon graduating the University of Hertfordshire Jordan wanted to continue to be a part of the Tornadoes programme and step up to coach, being the “local legend” that he is, how could we refuse? Here is a little insight to Coach Legge.

How did you get into football?
Second year of university, I was planning on joining the football team. After being told about the accomplishments of the American football team, I trailed for both but opted to play american football for a new and different challenge. Also the team set up and atmosphere was second to none, haven’t looked back since.

What is your football career highlight?
Making the finals and playing at the Allianz (although we lost) was pretty special. But being elected as captain and committee member in my final year was good fun (especially presenting awards night).

What do you do when you aren’t playing/ coaching football?
Honestly? Watching College or NFL, or working.

What team do you support?
Carolina of course, pre 15-1 season, for the record I supported us when we were bad.

What are you most looking forward to in terms of coaching the tornadoes this year?
Helping the team continue to play at the highest level and learning of the other coaches .

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Honestly, it may be greedy but my favourite superhero is Thor, so I guess to be a God?